Securing a safe, reliable water supply for Australian homes is a significant challenge. Australia has some of the lowest rainfall rates of any country, and its massive size and varied conditions make water infrastructure a game of constant challenges and compromises. However, even though rain is relatively rare, it can still make an enormous difference to your home’s water supply.
Whether you are looking to save on water bills, reduce your environmental footprint, or secure a reliable water source, rainwater tanks are an increasingly popular choice for Australian households. But how can you make the most of your rainwater system while ensuring the water you collect is clean and safe for your family? This rainwater tank guide will point out the most important factors to consider when choosing a water tank for your home—and discuss why pairing one with a whole-home filtration system could be a game changer.
How do rainwater tanks work?
Rainwater tanks are systems designed to collect and store rainwater, usually from your home’s roof. Water is collected in the gutters along your property, flowing down into the tank for storage. The collected rainwater can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:
- Gardening: Keeping your plants healthy during dry spells.
- Household Use: Flushing toilets, doing laundry, and even showering.
- Drinking and Cooking: With the right treatment, rainwater can serve as an additional or primary source of potable water.
Rainwater tanks come in a wide range of sizes, materials, and configurations to suit different homes and usage needs. Rainwater tank installation requirements can vary depending on the size and model, so it is important to discuss your specific needs with a specialist before making a decision to avoid compatibility issues.
Whether you’re installing a slimline tank in a small urban backyard or a large underground tank for rural properties, the flexibility and customisation options make them appealing for homeowners across Australia.
Why use a rainwater tank?
Living in a country with some of the lowest rainfall in the world may seem like an argument against rain tanks, but if anything this dry climate makes them even more beneficial. Whether tank water is your primary source of water or simply a backup to supplement mains water, having a tank provides several benefits for your home.
Water Conservation
Australia is no stranger to droughts and water restrictions. Rainwater tanks help reduce your reliance on municipal water supplies, ensuring you always have a backup until the next shower comes through.
Savings on Water Bills
Using harvested rainwater for everyday tasks, such as watering the garden or washing the car, can lead to significant savings over time.
Environmental Impact
Rainwater harvesting reduces the strain on local water infrastructure and prevents excess stormwater runoff, which can cause erosion and pollution in waterways.
Self-Sufficiency
For those in rural areas without access to town water, rainwater tanks provide an invaluable source of water.
Choosing the right rainwater tank for your home
If you’re new to rainwater harvesting, selecting the right tank can feel overwhelming. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your decision:
- Size Matters: The tank size you need will depend on your roof area, average rainfall, and water usage. For most urban households, a 2,000 to 5,000-litre tank is sufficient, while rural properties may require tanks with capacities exceeding 20,000 litres.
- Material Options: Rainwater tanks are typically made from materials like polyethylene, steel, or concrete. Each has its pros and cons in terms of durability, cost, and aesthetics.
- Space Considerations: If space is limited, slimline or modular tanks are excellent options. For those with ample room, larger round or underground tanks maximise storage capacity.
- Connection to Your Home: Decide whether you will be using rainwater for specific purposes (like gardening) or for your entire household. For whole-home use, professional plumbing and filtration will be necessary to avoid damage to your fixtures and make sure the water is safe for consumption.
How safe are rainwater tanks?
While rainwater may seem pure as it falls from the sky, its quality can be compromised as it travels through your collection system. Leaves, dirt, bird droppings, insects, and roofing materials can all contribute to contamination. Even if your rainwater looks clean, it may contain harmful microorganisms, heavy metals, or other pollutants that can pose risks to your health.
This is particularly relevant for people living in agricultural, industrial, or mining regions. Particles of herbicides, industrial pollutants, and heavy metals are often carried on the wind to land on your roof, where they are picked up and poured into your water tank every time it rains.
For non-drinking purposes like gardening or flushing toilets, untreated rainwater is generally safe. However, if you plan to use rainwater for drinking, cooking, or bathing, rainwater still needs to be filtered.
The importance of filtration for rainwater tanks
A whole-home water filtration system is an excellent investment for anyone relying on a rainwater tank for several reasons:
- Improved Water Quality: Even with pre-tank screens or first-flush diverters, your rainwater can still contain fine sediment, bacteria, and viruses. A filtration system removes these contaminants, ensuring your water is safe to use throughout your home.
- Protection Against Health Risks: Contaminated rainwater can cause a range of illnesses, from gastrointestinal infections to skin irritations. Whole-home filtration acts as a safeguard, giving you peace of mind.
- Prolonged Appliance Lifespan: While rainwater is free from the limescale and hard water damage that frequently frustrates homeowners on mains water, unfiltered rainwater can carry gritty particles that damage plumbing systems, washing machines, and dishwashers. Filtration reduces sediment and mineral buildup, extending the life of your fixtures and appliances.
- Better Taste and Odour: Filtered rainwater looks, tastes, and smells fresher—perfect for drinking and cooking.
What to look for in a whole-home rainwater filtration system
A rainwater tank guide cannot be complete without providing guidance on filtering that rainwater as it leaves the tank. When pairing your rainwater tank with a filtration system, consider the following factors:
- Filtration Stages: A multi-stage system is ideal for rainwater tanks. These systems typically include:
- A sediment filter to remove dirt, leaves, and debris.
- A finer secondary filter to improve taste and eliminate odours.
- A UV steriliser or advanced filtration technology to kill bacteria and viruses.
- Flow Rate: Choose a system that matches your household’s water usage needs without compromising water pressure. This typically means looking at systems with larger cartridges and high-flow designs.
- Durability and Maintenance: Look for systems with long-lasting components and minimal maintenance requirements to save time and effort. Access to a dedicated Australian customer service team rather than an overseas call centre is also massively beneficial, as they can send a technician directly to your house.
- Australian Standards: Ensure your filtration system meets Australian water quality standards for optimal safety and performance. Our land, water, and climate are unique, so make sure your filtration system is designed specifically for water that falls from Australian skies.
Why Complete Home Filtration is the Best Rainwater Tank Filter
Rainwater tanks are an excellent investment for any Australian household looking to save money, conserve water, and reduce their environmental footprint. However, to truly enjoy the benefits of rainwater, homeowners must address potential water quality issues with a thorough, reliable filtration system.
Complete Home Filtration offers a range of whole-home filtration solutions that integrate perfectly with rainwater tanks, giving you access to clean, safe, and great-tasting water—no matter where it comes from.
